As testers and reviewers, we have been in talks with Freeride Systems since the only product offered was its hiking harnesses. Eventually, many of our testers started using and swearing by their jackets, including @Ron and @Drahtguy Kevin. Since two of our most experienced and discerning testers had already purchased their jackets, Freeride Systems and @TheBestSkier suggested that we add them to our test fleet of clothing.
Like Ron in this thread, I am testing the Antero II Plus. What initially impressed me was the high quality of materials that FRS is able to source for the jackets. I also like that the jackets are not built in China or even Canada but right in Colorado, Leadville to be exact. Building top-notch product here in the states is usually an either/or situation, but with Freeride Systems, you get both. I also like the fact that when we looked at the jackets Kyle listed, he listened to us in person, and he is listening to the women of the community in this thread, a daunting task.
When I was skiing with another member, he commented that the coat didn't fit like my Descente Haines jacket, which indeed is one of my favorites -- but it is a four-way stretch that retails for $850, more than twice the $419 Freeride Systems jacket (before the 20% Pugski discount). Is the Descente nicer? Sure. Does it fit better? Well, it fits different. It is just that, fitted. The Antero II Plus fits just as well but is more relaxed. The name of the company is Freeride Systems, and that's what the jacket is: a freeride jacket.
Design is very good. I really like the way the jacket drapes on me. The cuffs work great over my LEKI gloves or under my Hestra Heli lobsters. Pocket placement is very functional, but I will say that the floating internal breast pocket kind of throws me off: more than once, I have tried to put something into it from the top, only to have it fall to the ground. I understand the purpose; it is just a design feature I wasn't expecting. I do agree with the women about adding a pass pocket on the sleeve.
I have about a half-dozen days with the Antero II Plus and today was the first time the jacket was put to any type of test. The weather was a 35° rainy day at Northstar, a rain that can penetrate all but the best of materials. The Antero withstood a test that I really didn't want to put it up to, but I did what I had to do and skied in the rain. Under the jacket, I was wearing FRS's 200-weight fleece, which stayed bone dry. My Gore-Tex pants didn't fare as well; they absorbed some moisture and I felt it starting to come through after about two hours of skiing.
I will continue reporting back in this thread as I get the jacket out more and in other conditions.
When I was skiing with another member, he commented that the coat didn't fit like my Descente Haines jacket, which indeed is one of my favorites -- but it is a four-way stretch that retails for $850, more than twice the $419 Freeride Systems jacket (before the 20% Pugski discount). Is the Descente nicer? Sure. Does it fit better? Well, it fits different. It is just that, fitted. The Antero II Plus fits just as well but is more relaxed. The name of the company is Freeride Systems, and that's what the jacket is: a freeride jacket.
Design is very good. I really like the way the jacket drapes on me. The cuffs work great over my LEKI gloves or under my Hestra Heli lobsters. Pocket placement is very functional, but I will say that the floating internal breast pocket kind of throws me off: more than once, I have tried to put something into it from the top, only to have it fall to the ground. I understand the purpose; it is just a design feature I wasn't expecting. I do agree with the women about adding a pass pocket on the sleeve.
I have about a half-dozen days with the Antero II Plus and today was the first time the jacket was put to any type of test. The weather was a 35° rainy day at Northstar, a rain that can penetrate all but the best of materials. The Antero withstood a test that I really didn't want to put it up to, but I did what I had to do and skied in the rain. Under the jacket, I was wearing FRS's 200-weight fleece, which stayed bone dry. My Gore-Tex pants didn't fare as well; they absorbed some moisture and I felt it starting to come through after about two hours of skiing.
I will continue reporting back in this thread as I get the jacket out more and in other conditions.